MDx CRO at ESMO 2025 (Berlin): Advancing IVDR Transitions & Combined Clinical Trials

MDx CRO presented new evidence and hands‑on learnings at ESMO 2025 that reinforce our position as the partner of choice for IVDR transitions and combined clinical trials involving investigational IVDs. We were first author on a poster with Fulgent Genetics and contributors to a Servier poster—both centered on the operational and regulatory realities of bringing high‑impact oncology diagnostics into clinical practice under the EU IVDR.

Highlights from our ESMO 2025 posters

Title: IVDR Compliance Challenges in Certifying a Large‑Scale NGS Panel for Hereditary Cancer

What it covers:

  • Practical blueprint for transitioning a comprehensive, service‑based NGS hereditary cancer panel under IVDR.
  • Defining intended use and scientific validity across a large gene set; end‑to‑end technical documentation; bioinformatics validation aligned to IEC 62304/82304; and notified‑body engagement strategy.
  • Lessons on right‑sizing verification/validation and building a living evidence package to support CE‑marking.

Why it matters: Sponsors and lab developers gain an actionable path for moving complex NGS services to IVDR compliance—without slowing clinical programs.

Title: Navigating Regulatory Complexity in Combined Studies under CTR and IVDR (CHONQUER)

What it covers:

  • How combined trials (drug + investigational IVD) trigger dual oversight under CTR and IVDR and the knock‑on effects for timelines, submissions, and site activation across EU member states.
  • Operational patterns that accelerate approvals: early CPS planning, consolidated documentation, and aligned ethics/competent authority strategies.

Why it matters: Oncology sponsors can de‑risk global programs by anticipating IVDR‑specific requirements—and partnering with an IVD CRO that has worked both sides of the fence.

Key takeaways for sponsors

  • IVDR transitions—end to end. MDx CRO supports dossier strategy, clinical performance studies (ISO 20916), scientific validity, and notified‑body engagement for CE‑marking.
  • Combined trials, simplified. We design and run CPS and combined CTR + IVDR studies, harmonizing submissions across multi‑country portfolios.
  • Oncology‑ready operations. Deep experience with molecular prescreening, NGS workflows, and drug–device coordination for precision oncology.

Need a quick debrief? Contact our IVD CRO team for a walkthrough of how these findings translate to your IVDR transition or combined study plan.

FAQs

What does MDx CRO do for IVDR transitions?

We provide end‑to‑end support—from intended‑use definition and scientific validity to clinical performance studies, technical documentation, and notified‑body engagement.

How does MDx CRO support combined CTR + IVDR studies?

We plan and execute CPS and combined trials, consolidating submissions and aligning ethics/competent authority requirements to reduce delays.

Can MDx CRO help with NGS panel validation under IVDR?

Yes. We design right‑sized verification/validation programs and bioinformatics validation aligned with IEC 62304/82304.

Where can I get the ESMO 2025 posters?

Both PDFs are available at the ESMO platform; contact us for a guided readout.

Industry Insights & Regulatory Updates

IVDR Transition for Precision Medicine: How MDx CRO Enabled a Seamless Portfolio Upgrade

Introduction

IVDR transition for precision medicine programs can stall when portfolios span liquid biopsy, RNA-based sequencing, and comprehensive tumor profiling. A leading US-based precision medicine company asked MDx CRO to migrate its oncology diagnostics from self-declared IVDD and FDA pathways to full IVDR certification—without disrupting European market access. This blog shares how we planned the transition, selected the right Notified Body, rebuilt regulatory files, and safeguarded ongoing clinical and CDx development in Europe.

The Challenge

  • Convert complex files from FDA/IVDD to IVDR. Multiple assay types (liquid biopsy, RNA-seq, tumor profiling) required re-evidence and restructuring under IVDR Annexes.
  • Select the optimal Notified Body. The client needed a partner capable of reviewing a diverse portfolio efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • Regulatory documentation lift. We had to redevelop key documents: analytical & clinical performance (including CPS reports), risk and design files, and labeling—while maintaining business continuity.

MDx CRO’s Approach

1) Strategic IVDR roadmap and portfolio triage

We assessed intended purpose, risk class, and evidence gaps for each product, then prioritized quick-win files to protect revenue while scheduling deeper re-verification work for complex assays. This created a clear IVDR transition for precision medicine timeline across the portfolio.

2) Notified Body strategy

Leveraging our knowledge of NB capacity and focus areas, we strategically selected a Notified Body that balanced approval probability, cost, and credibility. Early technical consultations reduced surprises and kept reviews on track.

3) Robust regulatory files

We generated comprehensive IVDR documentation:

  • Analytical and clinical performance reports, including scientific validity and performance evaluation reports
  • Risk management aligned to Annex I GSPRs
  • Design and development files with clear traceability
  • Usability and labeling aligned with intended purpose and user context

4) Operational partnership and sponsor duties

The client expanded our role into delegated sponsor responsibilities for clinical studies. We served as EU Legal Representative, oversaw clinical operations, and implemented streamlined processes for biomarker and CDx study submissions across Europe.

Results

  • Successful IVDR transition for priority diagnostics with uninterrupted market access in Europe.
  • Competitive advantage: stronger operational readiness helped the client attract pharma partners for clinical trial biomarker testing and CDx development.
  • Ongoing partnership: MDx CRO manages clinical studies, maintains sponsor duties, and continues the portfolio-wide IVDR journey.

Client Testimonial

“Working with MDx’s Precision Medicine Team has been a pleasure. As a U.S.-based company operating in Europe, I consider them our EU extension. Their expertise and responsiveness keep us ahead in a dynamic market, and the consistency of their delivery has shaped our current and future plans.”

Why This Matters

IVDR raises expectations for evidence, documentation, and lifecycle controls—especially for precision medicine diagnostics. Success requires portfolio triage, NB strategy, and regulatory files that stand up to scrutiny while your teams continue running trials and supporting pharma partnerships. MDx CRO brings integrated regulatory, clinical, and diagnostic know-how to keep your transition moving.

Call to Action

Planning an IVDR transition for precision medicine diagnostics? Let’s protect your market access, cut RFI cycles, and ready your files for Notified Body review.

Industry Insights & Regulatory Updates